Sectors

Transforming Urban Landscapes

Innovative designs that enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and create resilient urban ecosystems.

At Meristem Design, we believe in the power of urban greening to address pressing challenges in our cities, such as biodiversity loss and poor air quality. We work with local authorities to create and maintain green spaces that not only beautify the environment but also provide practical solutions for urban issues like flooding.

By incorporating sustainable drainage systems and innovative design, we aim to transform urban areas into thriving ecosystems that benefit both residents, wildlife and the local environment.

Mitigates Flooding

Innovative features like rain gardens and SuDS planters manage stormwater effectively, reducing the risk of flooding and enhancing climate resilience.

Enhances Biodiversity

Urban green spaces support diverse plant and animal life, contributing to healthier ecosystems and promoting wildlife habitats within cities.

Improves Air Quality

Vegetation helps filter pollutants and carbon dioxide, leading to cleaner air and a healthier environment for residents.

Promotes Community Wellbeing

Green spaces provide recreational areas for relaxation and social interaction, fostering a sense of community and improving mental health.
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Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)

Our SuDS solutions are designed to effectively manage stormwater in urban areas, reducing flooding risks while enhancing the local environment. By incorporating features such as rain gardens and planters, we transform hardscapes into vibrant ecosystems that naturally filter and absorb rainwater.

These solutions not only help prevent surface water flooding but also create aesthetically pleasing spaces that promote biodiversity and improve water quality and quantity.

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Kerbside Strategy

At Meristem Design, we collaborate closely with local authorities to develop comprehensive kerbside strategies that enhance urban spaces. Our approach involves assessing the unique needs of each area, focusing on transforming underutilised kerbside spaces into vibrant and sustainable public spaces.

By integrating innovative features such as sustainable drainage systems and parklets, we create environments that improve air quality, promote safety, and build community engagement. Our goal is to create adaptable, long-lasting solutions that contribute to the overall wellbeing of residents and visitors alike.

Featured products & services

Meristem Design offers planters that serve as effective urban drainage systems, capturing rainwater runoff while enhancing urban green spaces and community appeal. All of our SuDS planters are custom and handmade in our warehouse in Kent.
Parklets are vibrant extensions of the kerbside that transform parking spaces into green community spaces. Designed with cyclists and pedestrians in mind, these versatile spaces enhance social interaction, encourage active transportation, and boost local economies.
Mobility hubs support sustainable transport goals by combining green infrastructure with active travel options. They improve accessibility, reduce emissions and enhance the public realm through placemaking and sustainable transport links.
Our rain gardens absorb 30% more water than lawn grass, prevent pollution, and reduce erosion. Tailored for landscapes, they enhance urban areas and create habitats, making them perfect for local authorities.
We partner with local authorities to deliver greener, more resilient public spaces that support biodiversity, reduce flood risk and enhance community wellbeing.
Nature gardens support biodiversity, flood resilience and community wellbeing in underused urban spaces. These immersive green areas invite connection with nature and support local wildlife.
Pocket parks convert small or neglected spaces into lively, functional green areas. They help address local priorities like flood resilience, antisocial behaviour and community engagement.
We provide tailored maintenance solutions for all our projects, ensuring thriving, healthy spaces year-round. Our horticultural experts cater to each project’s unique needs, offering one-off or ongoing services that include watering, cleaning, feeding, pruning, and pest control.

Get in touch

If you like what you've seen and want to learn more about how this could work in your setting, please get in touch.

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    Are you interested in an Urban Greening or SuDS CPD?
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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is sustainable landscaping?

    Sustainable landscaping is an approach that works with nature to create green spaces that are low-impact, long-lasting and environmentally friendly. It includes using native or climate-resilient plants, improving soil health, managing water runoff, and reducing the need for irrigation or chemicals.

    Do you offer maintenance after installation?

    We can provide seasonal and year-round maintenance services to ensure your landscaping stays healthy and looks its best — available when you choose us as your maintenance provider.

    Can you help with both landscape design and installation?

    Yes, we can work with existing designs, collaborate with your team, or offer a full service tailored to your space.

    What type of landscaping projects do you work on?

    We work across public realm, commercial and community spaces, including streetsides, schools and green infrastructure projects.

    How much does landscaping cost?

    Costs depend on the scale, complexity and materials involved. We can provide a tailored estimate once we understand your project needs.

    How do I choose the right plants for my space?

    We consider soil type, sunlight, maintenance needs and biodiversity goals when selecting plants to ensure visual appeal and long-term success.

    What are the benefits of landscaping in urban spaces?

    Landscaping can increase biodiversity, reduce surface water runoff, improve air quality and create spaces that are more attractive, welcoming and usable for people.

    What’s the difference between hard and soft landscaping?

    Soft landscaping focuses on living elements like planting, trees and turf. Hard landscaping includes structural features such as paving, edging and decking.

    What is Landscaping?

    Landscaping involves the design, installation and maintenance of outdoor spaces. Focusing aesthetic appeal and functional use.

    If a parklet gets damaged, who is responsible for the repairs?

    The business is responsible for the parklet repairs which can be carried out by the owners own contractors or the original supplier, Meristem Design.

    Is there anything to prevent customers walking into the road when using a parklet?

    Yes there is planters or a steel balustrade on the roadside of the parklet.

    Can businesses customise parklets?

    Yes, you can add your own planters or paint our planters and add your own plants. You will be providing your own seating, tables and even parasols as long as you remove them and store them inside outside of business hours.

    Who maintains hospitality parklets?

    Quite often hospitality parklets are maintained by the business owner, however Meristem Design does provide a maintenance service. Parklets requires regular cleaning and watering of plants.

    Do parklets have a deck?

    Yes, parklets have a timber deck which can be adjusted to be level with the kerbside.

    Can parklets be removed if required and what is the notice period?

    Yes, Meristem can remove parklets with 8 weeks notice.

    What is the size of a parklet?

    Typically they are the size of a car parking space at 5m x 2m for a single parklet or 10m x 2m for a double parklet.

    What is the benefit to having a parklet outside my business?

    Based on feedback from existing hospitality owners, by having the space and capacity for extra covers, this brings in an average of 30% increase in revenue. This is based on feedback from Charlotte Street. Contact Meristem Design for more information on revenue and feedback, site visits can be arranged to existing sites/business with parklets.

    What kind of maintenance is required for a Bio Habitat SuDS Planter?

    Regular SuDS planter maintenance applies, with occasional wildlife checks and optional seasonal planting refresh.

    Can Bio Habitat SuDS Planters be customised?

    Yes, the SuDS planters can be adapted to site conditions or education/interpretation goals.

    Are Bio Habitat SuDS Planters suitable for schools or public spaces?

    Yes – the planter is a brilliant engagement and learning tool that supports curriculum links and community action.

    How does a Bio Habitat SuDS Planter support biodiversity?

    Through features like bee bricks, bug hotels, a watering hole, hollow stems, and a hedgehog house, the SuDS Planter provides a diverse set of wildlife habitats.

    Where can Bio Habitat SuDS Planters be installed?

    Ideal for schools, parks, and grey, urban spaces – anywhere that needs both sustainable drainage and a biodiversity uplift.

    Does a Bio Habitat SuDS Planter work like a regular SuDS Planter?

    Yes – it delivers the same stormwater retention and filtration benefits with added wildlife functionality.

    What is a Bio Habitat SuDS Planter?

    It’s a SuDS planter that manages rainfall while incorporating diverse wildlife habitats for birds, pollinators, amphibians and more.